Alfred Mutua, Maangi fall into Kisii river 'while taking selfies'

Kisii residents take photos of Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi after they fell into River Gucha on May 18, 2018. /COURTESY
Kisii residents take photos of Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi after they fell into River Gucha on May 18, 2018. /COURTESY

The bridge at River Gucha collapsed on Friday morning as

Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua and Kisii DG Joash Maangi stood on it.

Some reports indicated that it caved in as they took selfies while others said the Governor had bent to check the depth when the incident took place.

They were with several people who accompanied them to a inspection of road projects in Ogembo town.

Mutua and Maangi were pulled out and rushed to Ogembo Hospital in Kisii County in

an ambulance.

The Governor dismissed the report about selfies.

"I have been baptised by River Gucha and now I must build a house in Gucha," he said, as reported by Radio Citizen.

When called by the Star, he said he was safe and that he was having lunch

at Maangi's home.

"The bridge caved in after a crowd of those who accompanied us joined us," he said.

Kisii Communication director

Maseme Machuka said the bridge was weak.

The Ogembo post office-Nyakorokoro footbridge was constructed by the Ministry of Public Works as part of the Economic Stimulus Project under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

"The Governor and DG were unhurt in the incident and they went on to address residents before going for lunch," he said.

He added that two journalists were taken to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital

with minor injuries.

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